BIOMEDICAL AND BIOMEDICINE APPLICATIONS OF CNTs - Bio-Inspired and Nanoscale Integrated Computing - page 496

elongation or forces of bucky papers can be observed, a feature that is a
prerequisite for the optimization of artificial muscles for industrial applications.
The fastest actuation time observed by them was approximately 3 s. The
parameters that affect the electromechanical properties of CNT sheets are the
raw material used (SWNTs and MWNTs). Compared to SWNTs, MWNTs
have varying features: contorted structure; different production techniques (for
example, arc-discharge material shows very low actuation); purification grade
(not only the amount of carbon particles but also the amount of remaining
catalysts decrease the actuation time and actuation amplitude); chirality and
diameter of CNTs; homogeneity of the nanotubes' distribution; alignment of the
nanotubes; size and thickness of the produced bucky paper (it was observed that
thinner bucky papers react faster than thicker ones at comparable thickness
values); type of electrolyte (chemistry, concentration, viscosity); electrode mate-
rial; surface area of electrode; arrangement of electrodes; surface electrode
resistance; applied voltage; and polarity [37].
N ANOFLUIDIC S YSTEMS . If the implantable fluid injection systems are large in
size, functions of surrounding tissues are adversely affected. However, tiny
nanodispensing systems can dispense drugs on demand using nanofluidic systems,
miniaturized pumps, and reservoirs. Currently, limited attention has been given to
understand fluid mechanics at the nanoscale. As fluid mechanics at the nanoscale
is in infant stage, there is a scarcity of experimental data [41]. The research so far
reveals that MWNTs show great potential for use in nanofluidic devices. This can
be attributed to their extremely high mechanical strength, coupled with their
ability to provide a conduit for fluid transport at near-molecular length scales.
Furthermore, there is a lack of defects on their inner surface. The nanodispensing
systems using CNTs can be applied for chemotherapy where precise amounts of
drugs are targeted directly at the tumors when the patient falls asleep. Other
potential areas where fluid dispensing systems could be applied are lupus, AIDS,
and diabetes [42].
18.3.2.4. Surgical Aids. Surgery using macro instruments can be cumber-
some for both the surgeon and the patient. On one hand, the patient experiences
severe pain, scarring, and long healing time because of large cuts; on the other
hand, the surgeon requires high concentration for a long period to perform the
surgery accurately. Sometimes, it may lead to surgical error due to the surgeon's
fatigue. In many cases, surgical error may result because of the limited view of the
organs by the surgeon. In addition, macro surgical instruments are not suitable for
certain delicate cases such as surgeries related to heart, brain, eyes, and ears. One
of the solutions is laparoscopic surgery, which uses a small entry port, long and
narrow surgical instruments, and a rod-shaped telescope attached to a camera.
However, laparoscopic surgery requires highly skilled surgeons for efficient
surgery [42]. Research needs to be carried out to investigate if smart instruments
(such as forceps, scalpels, and grippers with embedded sensors to provide
improved functionality and real-time information) using CNTs can be developed